Visualization of Historic Landscapes - Google SketchUp Workshop: Modeling, Visualizing, and Illustrating - page 288

Tip
When there is a need to model multiple instances of buildings that are
identical, make them a Component. Components allow you to reduce the
size of the model file and let SketchUp perform better. Setting the axis of
the component at the base of the foundation allows them to “stick” to the
surface where they are placed. Another advantage of using Components
is that when you change or edit one instance of a Component, the change
is reflected in all instances of that Component. In this model, many of the
workers' houses were instances of the same Component; they can quickly
populate the model with adjustments made only to their location and
elevation.
As an experiment, I began to abstract imagery for the faces of buildings and
applied them to the buildings in the model. This was not done via photo
matching but by selecting the face of the building and then importing the
images via the File/Import option on the toolbar. This led to some visually
intriguing results. These images can be left as they are, or traced and modeled
for further refinement of the model.
FiG 16.9
Step 5: Exporting the Model to Google Earth
Goal : To export a.kmz file for use in Google Earth.
Input : Model feature in the Tools/Google Earth toolbar.
Tools : SketchUp, Google Earth.
When modeling is complete, it is very easy to view it in Google Earth. Under
the Tools/Google Earth toolbar, you will find a command called Place Model.
Activating this option will open a progress bar indicating the status of your